Bolt Neighborhood Blog

I recently made up a new-to-us pattern, the Cabin by Blueprints for Sewing, and I'm happy to report that it's both easy to wear and fun to sew! It's a kimono sleeve top with options for a longer tunic length number with pockets, or a shorter shirt. We decided to make the tunic with pockets as a store sample. The pattern is designed with plenty of ease, but there are some darts to give some subtle shaping and to facilitate adjustments.

The best part of the Cabin are all of the details: flat felled seams, inverted pleat, fancy weltless pockets, and bias facing and hems. It makes for a very satisfying, professional feeling project. If you're intimidated by taking on any of these new techniques, don't be! The instructions are very thorough. They even include sizing adjustments. I got a little hung up on the pocket, but the tutorial on the Blueprints for Sewing blog cleared everything up. Be sure to take a look at the other tutorials because they include major Cabin "renovations" including adding long sleeves.

The Cabin works well with large-scale prints, and the yoke and pockets are a great opportunity to play with color or use up smaller scraps. For the sample, we picked out a beautiful, lighter weight slubby cotton in royal blue, and a metallic rust from Anna Maria Horner's LOOMinous collection.

Long story short, the Cabin is an adorable, utilitarian tunic and top AND an interesting, skill-building sewing project. It's the total package. Come on in to take a closer look or try on our sample.